Palace belies persecution of Duterte critics, wishes Sereno ‘the best’

Malacañang has dismissed the allegation of ousted chief justice Maria Lourdes Sereno that the investigation of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) against her was part of the Duterte administration’s “persecution” of its critics.

“For now, I think she should worry whether her own colleagues will uphold their ruling against her,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a Palace briefing on Thursday.

Roque’s statement came a day after Sereno’s camp filed before the Supreme Court a motion for reconsideration, seeking to invalidate the high tribunal’s decision to remove her as the country’s Chief Justice.

READ: Sereno appeals to SC: Do what is right and just

“We have a process and we should follow the process. We wish her the best,” Roque replied, in a mix of Filipino and English, when asked for his comment on Sereno’s latest move.

In a television interview on Wednesday, Sereno said the investigation of the BIR against her was “illegal” and part of the government’s “persecution” against her.

Sereno was ousted on May 11 after her colleagues, voting 8-6, granted the quo warranto petition filed against her by Solicitor General Jose Calida, the government’s principal lawyer.

READ: Peers kick Sereno out via Calida’s QW

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